persönlich
persönlich is a German adjective that translates to "personal" or "private" in English. It refers to something that belongs to an individual, is not public, or concerns a specific person's feelings, opinions, or circumstances. The term can be used in various contexts. For instance, it can describe a personal relationship, such as a "persönliche Beziehung" (personal relationship), implying intimacy or a close connection. It can also denote something private, like "persönliche Angelegenheiten" (personal matters), which are affairs that an individual prefers to keep to themselves. Furthermore, "persönlich" can indicate a direct or individual involvement, as in "persönliche Verantwortung" (personal responsibility), meaning an individual is accountable for their own actions. The adverbial form, "persönlich," can mean "personally" or "in person," suggesting direct, face-to-face interaction or individual participation. For example, one might say "Ich habe ihn persönlich getroffen" (I met him personally/in person). The concept of "persönlich" emphasizes individuality, privacy, and direct engagement.